The Carolina Hurricanes may not be finished making waves ahead of the trade deadline, as speculation intensifies around Mikko Rantanen’s future with the team. Just weeks after acquiring the star forward, Carolina is already contemplating a potential trade, according to insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.
Seravalli highlighted two key factors that could determine Rantanen’s fate his on-ice production and willingness to commit to a long-term deal. If neither improves soon, Carolina might look to flip him before the deadline. “They gave him some time to adjust, but if we get closer to March 7 and he’s still unsigned, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hurricanes move on,” Seravalli explained. He also suggested that Carolina’s bold-minded owner might see an opportunity to reclaim or even exceed the assets they initially paid, especially if Rantanen’s performance remains underwhelming.
The Hurricanes made a significant trade to acquire Rantanen, sending Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and multiple draft picks to Colorado while also picking up Taylor Hall in a separate deal with Chicago. However, Rantanen’s early struggles just two points in six games stand in stark contrast to Necas and Drury’s strong performances with the Avalanche. With free agency looming on July 1, the Hurricanes risk repeating last season’s misstep, when they lost deadline acquisition Jake Guentzel for nothing.
Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos emphasized that Carolina “can’t afford to lose another star without a return.” Meanwhile, 32 Thoughts podcast host Elliotte Friedman reported that the Hurricanes may offer Rantanen a contract worth over $100 million. If a deal isn’t reached, flipping him for assets could become the only viable option.
As Rantanen prepares to represent Team Finland at the 4 Nations tournament, he acknowledged his slow start in Carolina. “It’s been just two weeks, so it’s too soon to settle in after so much time elsewhere,” he said. “It’ll take time.”
With the trade deadline fast approaching, time is a luxury Carolina may not have.
